Lando Norris has emphasized the importance of F1’s marketplace recognizing Carlos Sainz’s qualities, insisting it would be “silly” to underrate the outgoing Ferrari driver.
Sainz’s unexpected departure from the Scuderia at the end of this year has triggered a major shakeup in the driver market.
The Scuderia's decision to jump at an opportunity to hire Lewis Hamilton has left Sainz’s future uncertain.
However, Sainz emphatically demonstrated his talent and resilience last weekend when he triumphed in the Australian Grand Prix, just two weeks after undergoing in Saudi Arabia emergency surgery for an acute case of appendicitis.
The 29-year-old’s dominant performance, coupled with his consistent showings alongside Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, has significantly boosted his value.
While filling Hamilton’s vacant seat at Mercedes seemed like the only realistic option for Sainz in 2025, his current form has opened a door to Red Bull Racing, with team boss Christian Horner stating last weekend that he “can’t rule out” the Spaniard as a potential candidate to join the championship winning team.
"You're silly if you underrate him," warned Norris after last Sunday’s race in Melbourne, speaking from a position of knowledge, having spent two seasons alongside the Spaniard at McLaren.
"People know what he's capable of doing, know his effort level, his approach and dedication to wanting to be one of the best, exactly like he's proved today, and over the last couple of weeks.
"I'm sure you have plenty of drivers who probably wouldn't have tried as hard and dedicated so much of their time and effort to trying to recover.
“For the people who know what he's capable of doing, you would never ever say he's underrated."
Leclerc remarked that team principals within the F1 paddock are keenly aware of Sainz’s value and assets, the Monegasque alleviating any concerns about his current teammate's future.
"I think everybody knows Carlos' worth in the paddock, he's one of the highest-rated drivers in the paddock," Leclerc added.
"He's been extremely strong every time he was in a Formula 1 car and he has showed it multiple times, so I don't think he's underrated.
"I'm not too worried about his future, because I'm sure that many team principals are… he doesn't say it, but for sure they are speaking with him!
"I'm sure he will have many opportunities and he'll just have to make the best choice for his career."
Listening to his two colleagues’ justified praise, Sainz said he was confident that those whose opinion carry weight in F1 know his full worth.
"There are some kind words there, but I agree with them,” said the three-time Grand Prix winner.
"People that maybe don't have an insight and don't know as much about this sport, if they want to underrate me, I'm fine with that.
"I don't care honestly, but I care about the people that know the sport, that have seen my data, seen how I work, seen my speed. That's the thing I care about, and I don't feel underrated by them."
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